Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 423

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 423**

**Chapter 423**

The dawn of a new day greeted Sydney with a sense of anticipation as she washed her face in the hospital restroom. The cool water invigorated her, washing away the remnants of her restless night. Today was the day she would leave the sterile confines of the hospital behind.

As she swung open the ward door, she was taken aback to find James waiting just outside. Unlike his usual polished business attire, he wore a more relaxed outfit that somehow made him appear even more approachable.

“I returned to Brimcrest last night. My mother asked me to come and collect you for your discharge,” he said, his voice smooth and imbued with a warmth that felt comforting.

“No need to worry about the paperwork,” he continued, his tone reassuring. “Everything has been handled. If you’re not weighed down with too much luggage, we can head out immediately.”

Sydney had initially expected Diana to pick her up, but a last-minute meeting had whisked her away to a nearby city, leaving James to step in at the last moment. She blinked in surprise, a smile breaking across her face. “Alright, let’s get going then.”

To facilitate a smooth transition, Florence had thoughtfully arranged for all of Sydney’s belongings to be sent to the Hutton estate the previous day.

As they drove through the familiar streets, James broached the subject of the car accident. “I called the police this morning. The suspect is about to make a confession. So, you don’t need to worry too much about it,” he said, his voice steady.

Sydney couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. The Huttons’ genuine concern for her well-being was a comforting balm to her anxious heart. “Thank you, Mr. Hutton,” she replied softly, her gratitude evident in her tone.

James stole a glance at her, noticing the youthful glow in her demeanor. She was perhaps eight or nine years his junior, her calm presence reminiscent of the gentle warmth of spring sunlight. Even his usually reserved tone seemed to soften in her company.

“By the way, how do you usually refer to that rascal Raymond?” he asked, his voice casual yet curious.

Sydney, momentarily puzzled by the question, answered honestly, “I usually just call him Ray.”

In Julian’s circle, Raymond, Caleb, and the others were all older than her, and out of respect, she had always addressed them by their full names.

“In that case, you can call me by my first name too,” he said, a warm smile breaking across his face. “Everyone tends to call me ‘Mr. Hutton.’ I don’t mind it, but for some reason, when you say it, it sounds a bit odd.”

Perhaps it sounded odd in every possible way, she mused.

Sydney chuckled, feeling the atmosphere between them shift toward a more friendly tone. “Alright then, I’ll call you James.”

By the time their light-hearted conversation wrapped up, the car had glided through the grand gates of the Hutton family estate, a place steeped in history and charm.

After parking, Sydney followed James into the spacious living room, where Florence was bustling about, directing the maids to prepare Sydney’s favorite dishes.

As soon as Florence turned and spotted her, a radiant smile lit up her face. “You’re here so early? I specifically told James not to disturb your sleep,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and concern.

In that moment, Sydney realized the true reason James had been waiting outside her door—he had wanted to ensure she wasn’t roused from her slumber.

James raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. “See? My mom practically wishes you were her real daughter now.”

Though it was meant in jest, there was an undeniable kernel of truth in his words. Ever since Sydney had begun treating Florence, the older woman had seemed more vibrant and full of life than she had in years.

A slight blush crept onto Sydney’s cheeks at the compliment. “I’m just used to waking up early. My body seems to have its own internal alarm clock,” she replied, a hint of embarrassment coloring her tone.

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